The Strategy of Health

In this episode of The American Journal of Healthcare Strategy podcast, we sit down with Brandon J. Robertson, Founder and CEO of UCP Merchant Medicine and in Televisit Solutions, to explore how clinical concierge models and lean design principles are transforming urgent care delivery at scale.Brandon shares how his team applied operational science—including queuing theory, the Theory of Constraints, and AI-driven clinical decision tools—to eliminate handoffs, slash visit times, and achieve an average Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 94. You’ll learn why traditional urgent care models fail, how AI-enhanced standing orders drive diagnostic consistency, and what it takes to create financially sustainable urgent care operations—even in low-reimbursement environments.We also cover the three-phase ROI model Brandon uses to help health systems justify investment in urgent care, including short-term profitability, mid-term referral capture, and long-term lifetime value. Whether you're a healthcare executive, strategist, or operations leader, this conversation is a masterclass in urgent care innovation and system-wide impact.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:17 Brandon's Career Journey02:58 Founding UCP Merchant Medicine03:14 Theory of Constraints in Healthcare04:20 Reducing Urgent Care Door-to-Door Time05:05 Queuing Theory and Process Optimization08:03 Clinical Concierge Model16:30 AI in Urgent Care18:53 Economic Impact and Scalability21:21 Long-term Value of Urgent Care28:46 Customized Models and Data Science34:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join host Cole as he sits down with Keeley White, Director of Community Health Programs at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, to explore the real-world challenges and successes of bringing nutritious food directly to patients through innovative clinic partnerships.Keeley White shares her unique journey from clinical dietitian to public health leader, offering firsthand perspectives on addressing rural barriers, transportation issues, and health equity for vulnerable populations. Listeners will learn how the Regional Food Bank’s programs collaborate with hospitals, clinics, and community partners to implement in-clinic food pantries, screen for food insecurity, and connect patients with sustainable nutrition resources. Keeley also unpacks practical strategies for building strong healthcare partnerships, effective grant management in cost-constrained environments, and the importance of piloting solutions tailored to each community’s unique needs.00:00 Introduction and Focus on Equity00:31 Meet Keely White: Director of Community Health Programs01:36 Keely's Journey into Nutrition and Public Health04:56 Challenges in Addressing Food Insecurity in Oklahoma07:44 Innovative Solutions for Rural and Urban Areas12:53 Healthcare Partnership Program Success20:20 Advice for Aspiring Community Health Leaders23:30 Conclusion and Future Prospects

Discover how MultiCare saved $7.5 million on pharmacy costs through innovative supply chain strategy and data-driven leadership. In this episode, Cole from the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy interviews Tyson Frodin, VP of Clinical Pharmacy, Supply Chain, and Technology at MultiCare, for an in-depth discussion on transforming pharmacy operations in a large health system.Tyson Frodin shares practical strategies for centralizing purchasing, leveraging pharmacy automation, and partnering with advanced data analytics firms to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. Learn how MultiCare coordinated purchasing across 13 hospitals, updated their inventory management systems, and used actionable analytics to drive both acute care and retail pharmacy savings. Tyson also breaks down the impact of direct manufacturer contracting, strategic partnerships with companies like Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug, and how these moves not only optimize costs but also enhance patient access and experience—especially in rural and critical access hospitals.Key topics include: pharmacy supply chain optimization, healthcare cost reduction, rural health strategy, 340B management, ambulatory footprint expansion, and the future of pharmacy procurement. If you're a healthcare leader, administrator, or pharmacy professional looking for actionable insights, this conversation is a must-watch.00:00 Introduction to Logistics Savings00:36 Meet Dr. Tyson Frodin01:47 Career Path and Leadership Journey03:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Healthcare05:39 Strategic Growth and Partnerships11:50 Pharmacy Procurement and Cost Savings18:33 Leveraging Data Analytics for Better Outcomes25:59 Future of Pharmacy Supply Chain33:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Cole from The American Journal of Healthcare Strategy sits down with KP Tacconi, Senior Innovation Manager at NYU Langone Health, to break down the realities of human-centered design, innovation strategy, and leading change in academic medical centers.

Dr. Malko shares actionable insights on the challenges and opportunities facing health plans in CKD management, from early identification and care coordination to the vital role of primary care physicians as “quarterbacks” for complex patient needs. She explores how risk-based partnerships between health plans and clinical partners (not just vendors) drive improved outcomes, better data sharing, and real collaboration across care teams.If you’re a health plan leader, executive, or healthcare strategist looking to advance your CKD strategy, this episode is packed with lessons on optimizing care coordination, reducing unnecessary utilization, and building sustainable partnerships.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:26 Dr. Beth Malko's Career Journey03:37 The Importance of Primary Care in Complex Health Systems07:35 Health Plans and Primary Care Collaboration13:55 Selecting the Right Clinical Partners25:49 Challenges and Solutions in Data Management29:30 Primary Care and Specialty Care Integration38:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Don Berwick—Senior Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and former Administrator of CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)—for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. healthcare.Dr. Don Berwick shares firsthand insights on running CMS during the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, the founding of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation, and what it means to shift an agency’s culture toward quality and patient-centered care. The discussion explores Medicare Advantage, payment reform, and how privatization and policy changes have shaped the healthcare landscape over the last decade. Dr. Berwick offers a candid assessment of the impact of political leadership, the influence of moneyed interests, and the need for a renewed social contract to achieve meaningful change.Listeners will also hear Dr. Berwick’s advice for the next generation of healthcare leaders: why collaboration, crossing disciplinary boundaries, and holding onto core values are key to progress. This episode is a must-watch for healthcare executives, policymakers, and anyone interested in healthcare strategy, Medicare, health policy, and leadership.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:43 Dr. Don Berwick's Background and Career02:22 Impact of the Affordable Care Act03:50 Challenges and Achievements at CMS06:04 Current State and Future of Healthcare13:04 The Role of Money in Healthcare22:22 Advice for Future Healthcare Leaders24:41 Cross-Disciplinary Learning and Innovation31:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, to explore the Joy in Medicine Initiative at Houston Methodist, a transformative program aimed at improving physician wellbeing and restoring meaning in medical practice. Dr. Schaal, a respected leader in healthcare innovation, shares insights into the real-world challenges of driving engagement—even when programs are mandatory—and offers a firsthand look at how organizations can build momentum in both primary care and specialty care settings.We discuss the nuances of physician burnout, the cultural barriers to participation, and the importance of synergy across departments. Dr. Schaal also reflects on the early results of the initiative and what the future may hold as Houston Methodist continues to scale its efforts. Whether you're a healthcare executive, clinician, or strategist, this conversation offers practical takeaways for designing more effective wellness programs.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:55 Dr. Schall's Journey to Houston Methodist02:21 Houston Methodist's Leadership and Culture04:19 Joy in Medicine Initiative07:55 Challenges and Solutions in Physician Wellness10:41 Implementing the Joy in Medicine Initiative26:50 Results and Future Plans30:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From the battlefield to the boardroom, Justin Cauthen’s journey offers a masterclass in leadership transformation within healthcare.In this episode of Clinicians in Leadership, we sit down with Justin Cauthen, a retiring U.S. Army flight medic turned clinical executive, to explore how military leadership principles translate into the civilian healthcare landscape. Cauthen shares powerful lessons from leading medevac units and advising the Afghan Surgeon General, all the way to managing a 2,700-person, multi-state healthcare system. His insights highlight the often-unspoken divide between clinicians and executives—and how to bridge it with empathy, structure, and trust.We dive into pressing topics like clinician burnout, moral injury, retention, and the importance of psychological safety. Cauthen explains why leadership must be professionalized, how executives can become true advocates, and how understanding the “love language” of clinicians leads to better operational alignment. He also unpacks how fostering empowerment, educational investment, and real presence on the floor leads to higher retention—like the 94% rate he helped achieve.Whether you're a clinician stepping into leadership or an administrator eager to support your staff more effectively, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:50 Guest's Military and Medical Background01:21 Transition to Civilian Life and Leadership Roles03:23 Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Staff and Administration04:27 Common Misunderstandings and Communication Gaps06:40 Importance of Financial Literacy for Clinicians10:27 Advocating for Clinical Staff15:07 Creating a Culture of Safety and Support19:27 Addressing Burnout and Retention Issues24:28 Daily Routines and Long-term Culture Building29:00 The Burden of Meetings29:30 Empathy and Presence in Leadership30:30 Effective Decision Making31:12 Bridging the Gap Between Leaders and Staff32:35 Empowering Frontline Staff33:49 Handling Criticism and Building Trust44:42 Innovative Support Programs49:19 Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders

Discover how healthcare transformation takes root from the top in this inspiring conversation with Marna Borieux, DHA, MBA, Chief of Staff, Vice President for Executive Administration, and now Vice President & Administrator for the Primary Care Service Line at Inova Health System. In this episode of the American Journal of Healthcare Strategy Podcast, we explore Inova’s multi-year transformation journey built on systemness, stewardship, and a relentless focus on culture.Marna shares how her decision to pursue a Doctor of Healthcare Administration at MUSC shaped her leadership philosophy and equipped her to lead through complex change. She details her transition from Cleveland Clinic to Inova, the organizational redesign sparked by new executive leadership, and how Inova accelerated its “Drive to Excellence” strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.Key themes include healthcare system integration, margin improvement without sacrificing morale, employee engagement through purpose and joy, and the importance of consistent operating rhythms in sustaining culture and outcomes. Whether you're an emerging healthcare leader or a seasoned executive, Marna's perspective offers invaluable insights on leading transformation with empathy, strategy, and intention.00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Lifelong Learning00:29 Meet Marna Borieux: Career and Expanded Role (Chief of Staff, VP for Executive Administration, and now VP & Administrator, Primary Care Service Line)Note: At the time of recording, Marna was Chief of Staff and VP for Executive Administration. She has since accepted the position of Vice President & Administrator for the Primary Care Service Line at Inova Health System.01:03 Inova Health System: Mission and Impact02:22 Marna's Educational Journey and Leadership Development05:48 Transition to Inova Health System08:32 Leadership Traits and Career Decisions11:31 Inova's Transformation Journey24:18 Sustaining Organizational Excellence26:21 Final Thoughts and Advice for Emerging Leaders

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Weshler, Vice President of Outpatient Solutions at Siemens Healthineers, to explore how health systems can leverage smarter technology and global best practices to meet rising demand, workforce shortages, and growing complexity—without losing sight of outcomes. With over 20 years of experience spanning biotech, diagnostics, and medical devices, Jason shares lessons from the front lines of outpatient transformation, including Siemens’ global approach to decentralized care and value-based innovation.We dive into practical examples of how health systems are extending high-quality care into rural and underserved communities, implementing AI to streamline workflows, and designing sustainable technologies that reduce costs while improving patient outcomes. From helium-free MRI scanners to mobile breast and lung cancer screenings, Jason outlines what it takes to modernize operations in an increasingly resource-constrained industry.This conversation is a must-watch for healthcare executives, strategists, outpatient leaders, and innovators focused on the future of care delivery. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights into where healthcare strategy is heading.00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:26 Meet Jason Weschler: A Journey in Healthcare01:20 The Evolution of Outpatient Care04:20 Technological Innovations in Healthcare08:12 Global Perspectives and Sustainability13:09 Future Trends and Challenges in Healthcare22:08 Closing Thoughts and Optimism for the Future